I recently traveled to Egypt and saw impressive, massive monuments made by man.
Astonishing craftsmanship that has lasted for millennia.
We learned about the work that went into them-one rock moved, one character carved, one hieroglyph colored at a time.
All simple steps that add up over time and effort to a lasting memorial.
Really, all greatness is built by small and simple steps.
Someday, though, even the pyramids will crumble to dust, but the character and the relationships that we build can be eternal.
That is actual greatness.
Built by the little things.
Grand gestures may make us want to hang out with someone for a time, but without the small things that form trusting bonds of love and support, they can’t sustain relationships or our own growth.
Those bonds and those qualities are built a little at a time by the smallest of acts:
Listening with intent.
Encouraging and teaching.
Being available and seeing need.
Remaining loyal when others are not at their best.
Showing integrity when faced with opposition.
Sacrificing.
Cheering others on and celebrating their successes.
Forgiving and seeking forgiveness.
Learning and allowing others the space to learn.
Picking up the slack when someone is tired or weak.
Consistently showing up and never giving up.
This is as true with our relationship with God as it is with our loved ones here.
If we want it to be powerful and lasting, we do the small and simple things that nurture and build it.
Repent, pray, trust, love, listen, seek, forgive, endure.
One large but fleeting effort does not create what we want and does not have the force to keep it going.
But consistent, repeated efforts over time will result in a beautiful and glorious connection of love that cannot be shaken and a character that is like His.
“…By small and simple things are great things brought to pass…” (Alma 37:6).
Even the greatest things.
